Dennis Felax will preside as Little League parade marshal

After 26 years in Little League from president of the organization, to coaching, to being an umpire, Dennis (Sam) Felax is being honored as this year?s Little League parade marshal. The season begins Saturday with the parade starting from the Grambau Center at noon. ?I told them there are so many others who could have been named besides me,? Sam said humbly. ?But this is a great honor.?

?I?ve been involved since around 1978, when (daughter) Wendy was participating. First I was a coach/manager for a lot of years until Wendy graduated from the girls when she turned 16,? Felax said. ?Then I went with Dennis and then Ryan when they played Little League?I still umpire ? but it?s a little harder to get up and down so I like the younger guys to take home plate.?

Felax said he was just fortunate to be here, referring to a tractor accident just about this time last year that nearly claimed his life. ?This year will be a much happier event and an honor,? Sam added. ?I think there are a lot more people that are more deserving of thi

s honor. I usually walk the parade every year just as I did with the teams as the manager and coach.

FELAX ALSO served as president and vice president of the girls? league and as president of the entire organization for three or four years. ?For me, Little League is something I have to get involved in, not just sit and watch from the stands,? Sam said. ?I?ve had so many mentors over the years such as Bob Maynard, Dave Schaedig, Fred Lewis and we were involved in making all the new fields.? When Felax finished walking the parade with the Little League he would walk again with the VFW sixth and seventh divisions.

Felax will lead the Little League parade Saturday at noon when he joins with Little League queen Emily Delekta, the daughter of Mark and Colleen Delekta. Emily will be joined by her court, Megan Koss, the daughter of Michael and Terri Koss, Brittany Ciupka, daughter of Robert and Paula Ciupka, Ashley Meyers, daughter of Thomas and Denise Meyers, and Rachel Chojnacki, daughter of Christopher and Ruth Chojnacki. Festivities and the opening ceremonies will take place at the Little League fields following the parade.